GL Homes Philanthropy Under Misha Ezratti Addresses Housing, Hunger, and Education Across Florida

GL Homes President Misha Ezratti has established a comprehensive philanthropic framework that addresses fundamental community needs across Florida through practical, hands-on initiatives rather than traditional corporate donations. As a South Florida native, Ezratti views community support as integral to building thriving neighborhoods, with GL Homes focusing on tangible impacts in housing, hunger relief, and children's education.

The company's philanthropic efforts center on three primary pillars: breaking the cycle of homelessness, combating hunger, and supporting children and education. This structured approach allows GL Homes to build lasting relationships with community organizations while addressing immediate needs that affect daily life for Florida residents. The company's methodology emphasizes dignity and practical support over simple financial contributions.

A cornerstone initiative is the "Make a House a Home" program, which repurposes surplus building materials, appliances, and furnishings to support low-income families. Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, GL Homes transforms leftover inventory into essential household items for individuals transitioning from homelessness to independent living. Earlier this year, the company donated high-quality furnishings from a Valencia community in Boynton Beach to Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, providing clients with beds, appliances, décor, and lighting to establish their new homes.

Complementing this program is the Good Night's Sleep initiative, through which GL Homes provides beds, blankets, and laundry detergent to families moving from homelessness into permanent housing. These housing-focused efforts demonstrate the company's understanding that stable housing requires more than just shelter—it necessitates the basic comforts that create a true home environment.

GL Homes has also expanded its involvement in hunger relief through collaborations with food banks and nonprofits across the region. The company works with organizations including Feeding South Florida, The Senator Philip D. Lewis Center in West Palm Beach, and The Lord's Place Meal Mobile to deliver thousands of meals. Ezratti personally volunteered at Feeding South Florida earlier this year to help prepare nutritious meals for homebound seniors, and GL Homes staff and interns followed his example this summer by preparing hundreds of meals on-site.

The company's commitment to Florida's children manifests through the Passion for Playgrounds initiative, developed in collaboration with groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs. Each year, GL Homes helps design and build playgrounds in neighborhoods across the state, creating bright, safe spaces for children while strengthening community bonds. These playgrounds serve as gathering points that enhance neighborhood cohesion and provide essential recreational opportunities.

Under Ezratti's leadership, GL Homes has established a philanthropic model that prioritizes direct community engagement and measurable impact. The company's approach sets a standard for corporate giving in South Florida by focusing on practical solutions to everyday challenges. By addressing housing stability, food security, and educational support simultaneously, GL Homes contributes to comprehensive community development that benefits multiple generations of Florida residents.